National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM-K), an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), will organise the “International Conference on Advanced Next Generation Vision for Emerging and Sustainable Healthy Foods (ANVESH–2026)” from 26 to 28 February 2026.

Addressing a press conference held ahead of the event, Dr. Avinash Joshi, Secretary, MoFPI; D. Pravin and Preet Pal Singh, Joint Secretaries, MoFPI; and Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM-K, were present.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Joshi stated that ANVESH–2026 will serve as a significant international platform bringing together experts, researchers, industry representatives and policymakers from more than 25 countries. He highlighted that the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi to double farmers’ income is being realised through the strengthening of the food processing sector. Over the past four to five years, the Government has invested approximately ₹15,000 crore in the food processing industry. He further noted that although the Ministry of Food Processing Industries was established in 1988, currently only 12–13 percent of food produce in India is processed, and a target has been set to increase this to 25 percent over the next five years.

Dr. Joshi emphasised that both food packaging and food technology are crucial for the growth of the food processing sector. Scientific and advanced packaging plays a vital role in extending the shelf life of food products. He added that although the sector remains largely unorganised in India, it has recorded a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 7 percent over the past decade. During the same period, India’s agricultural exports have witnessed substantial growth, with processed food exports doubling in the last ten years.

Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi underscored the concept of “Food as Medicine” and stated that post-harvest losses amounting to nearly ₹1.10 lakh crore annually can be significantly reduced through modern food processing technologies. He added that ANVESH–2026 will serve as an important initiative to promote innovation, value addition and sustainable food systems.

The three-day international conference is expected to witness participation from more than 1,000 delegates. Under the Participation and Speakers segment, eminent experts from globally reputed institutions and organisations such as CGIAR, McGill University, Wageningen University & Research, Volcani Institute and The University of Queensland will participate, along with leading scientists, industry experts, exporters, startup entrepreneurs and policymakers from India and abroad. Special addresses are proposed by the Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan, Member, NITI Aayog Ramesh Chand, senior officials of MoFPI and representatives from other Ministries and Departments.

The conference will feature plenary sessions, keynote lectures, panel discussions, roundtables, an exhibition and a live cookery show. More than 50 exhibitors, including startups, MSMEs and PMFME beneficiaries from various States, will showcase innovations across the food processing value chain.

ANVESH–2026 will provide a robust global platform for dialogue on emerging areas such as digital compliance, food safety and traceability, alternative proteins, nutraceuticals, waste management, circular economy approaches and agri-food entrepreneurship, thereby contributing significantly to the development of resilient, healthy and sustainable food systems.